Oklahoma Newspaper Week is being held this week in conjunction with National Newspaper Week.

This is the 85th year of National Newspaper Week, which strives to be a reminder of the vital role newspapers play in their respective communities.

Local journalism is the heartbeat of informed communities.

It brings stories to light that national outlets often overlook – stories about school board decisions, city council debates, neighborhood events and local heroes.

In a world increasingly shaped by global headlines and social media noise, reconnecting with local news is vital for civic engagement, accountability and community resilience.

The Kingfisher Times & Free Press strives to be that connection...twice a week...every week...every year since 1889.

Why does local journalism - real journalism - matter?

Here’s why:

• Informed Citizens: Local reporting empowers people with the information they need to make decisions in their everyday lives— from voting to attending town hall meetings.

Accountability: Local journalists often serve as watchdogs, uncovering corruption or negligence that directly impacts their communities.

Community Connection: Local news fosters a sense of belonging by highlighting stories that resonate on a personal level.

Economic Development: Thriving local media can support small businesses through advertising and partnerships, strengthening the local economy.

In short, by embracing local journalism, we’re not just preserving the past, but we’re also shaping a more informed, connected and empowered future.

How can you support those efforts?

Shauna Belyeu of the Eufaula Indian Journal offered these thoughts and we agree:

• Subscribe. If you already do, thank you. If not, there’s never been a better time to start.

• Advertise. If you own a business, your ad supports trusted information and reaches an engaged local audience.

• Support local advertisers.

Let them know you saw their ad in the paper – it matters.

• Celebrate and share good reporting. Share stories that impact your life.

• Teach your kids. Help them understand where real news comes from and why it’s worth valuing.

• Promote. After all, it is YOUR paper.

So celebrate with us this week. To get us started, please see the message from our publisher, Barry Reid, in this edition.